Abu Dhabi recently struck global headlines for its Level 4 autonomous vehicle (AV) trials making long strides toward the future of transportation. This comprises real-world trials in Masdar City, where driverless electric shuttles operate on a 2.4 km geofenced loop connecting key locations such as Siemens, Irena, Masdar Park and My City Centre.
Abu Dhabi is not just experimenting with autonomous technologies—it’s building an entire industrial and regulatory ecosystem to support them. At the heart of this vision lies the SAVI Cluster—short for Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries—an innovation-driven zone anchored in Masdar City.
Launched in October 2023, SAVI is designed to position the UAE as a global leader in smart mobility, robotics, and autonomous systems across land, air, and sea.
Table of Contents
What is SAVI?
SAVI is Abu Dhabi’s dedicated cluster for autonomous systems,. It’s a comprehensive platform combining R&D, certification, commercialization, and deployment in one coordinated environment. It offers companies and researchers:
- Access to real-world test zones in Masdar City
- Regulatory sandboxes to trial technologies safely and legally
- Proximity to leading research institutions, like MBZUAI
- Commercial support through partnerships with Mubadala, Solutions+, and Masdar
Core Focus Areas
| Sector | Description |
| Autonomous Land Vehicles | Level 3–5 AVs, robotics, fleet operations, mobility-as-a-service |
| Unmanned Aerial Systems | Drones, aerial logistics, UAV inspection, air traffic integration |
| Autonomous Maritime Tech | Smart shipping, underwater drones, port automation |
| AI and Sensing Systems | Sensor fusion, CV, real-time mapping, localization & decision-making |
SAVI aims to support every link in the autonomy chain—from simulation and software to field testing and policy.
Why Masdar City?
Masdar City serves as the physical testbed for SAVI trials. With low-speed, pedestrian-friendly zones and sustainable urban design, it enables:
- Level 4 AV trials on closed-loop and semi-open routes
- Electrification and EV infrastructure for testing zero-emission fleets
- Seamless integration with Masdar City Free Zone (MCFZ) licensing and workspace support
Learn more about the Masdar AV pilot
What SAVI Offers to Innovators
Regulatory Sandbox
In partnership with the Integrated Transport Centre and relevant UAE ministries, SAVI provides a controlled environment to test AVs and drones without waiting for full-scale legislation.
Infrastructure Access
Companies can access:
- Indoor and outdoor test tracks
- Simulation labs
- Drone flight corridors
- Charging and data offload stations
Fast-Tracked Licensing & Certification
SAVI works with Masdar City Free Zone and relevant authorities to:
- Fast-track business setup
- Support IP, import/export, and R&D needs
- Facilitate approvals for experimental vehicle use
Cluster Collaboration
Co-location with:
- MBZUAI for AI research
fosters rapid prototyping and collaboration.
Economic Ambition
SAVI isn’t just about testing—it’s about economic transformation.
According to Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), SAVI is expected to:
- Add AED 90–120 billion to the UAE economy
- Create up to 50,000 specialized jobs
- Attract global startups and OEMs in the AV, UAV, and AI ecosystem
More from ADIO on strategic clusters
Who Should Join SAVI?
SAVI is ideal for:
- AV, UAV, or robotics startups needing testing grounds
- OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers looking to expand in the Gulf
- Universities and research labs focused on mobility AI
- VCs, accelerators, and ecosystem builders in deeptech
Next Steps for Interested Companies
You can:
- Apply to set up via Masdar City Free Zone
- Propose a pilot project for approval under the SAVI framework
- Join events or summits hosted by the cluster to connect with regulators, tech leaders, and investors
Set up in Masdar City Free Zone
Related Articles in This Series
- Inside Abu Dhabi’s Real-World AV Trials
- MBZUAI: The AI Backbone of UAE’s Mobility Ambitions
- How to Set Up a Mobility Tech Company in MCFZ
Benoy Jacob is a journalist-turned-business consultant, currently serving as the Director of Client Relations at ATB Corporate in Abu Dhabi. With a keen eye for market trends and business strategy, he helps companies expand, build strategic partnerships, and optimize their operations in the UAE. Benoy brings a unique perspective on economic policies, trade ecosystems, and investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi and the wider MENA region.